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BRAVE • FOCUSED • BRILLIANT Working With Complicated People This week's podcast featured some great advice from Ryan Leak and James Kimmel about how to manage workplace conflicts and grievances.

Ever fantasized about sending a scorched-earth resignation email or confronting that “complicated” colleague head-on?

In this week's Daily Creative episode, we explore the messy realities and hidden costs of revenge in the workplace—and uncover healthier, more powerful strategies for navigating conflict and difficult people.

While it's tempting to think that "complicated" only applies to others, the reality is that we're all complicated people. And frankly, you might be someone else's complication. With that in mind, here are a few key insights for collaborating more effectively with your peers.

You don’t have to like everyone you work with—what matters is having the courage to work well with almost anyone.

True bravery in the workplace isn’t about being agreeable or avoiding conflict; it’s about facing difficult relationships head-on and owning your role in them. The temptation to avoid or retaliate can be strong, especially with complicated colleagues or managers.

But as Ryan Leak shared, “When we start with that whole idea of being able to say, hey, I’m complicated, you’re complicated, we’re all complicated. I actually think we can work together a whole lot better.”

Leaning into tough conversations with empathy and vulnerability, rather than accusation or avoidance, can transform even strained collaborations.

Who is one “complicated” person you can courageously approach for an honest, growth-driven conversation this week?

The urge for revenge is addictive—but your focus is your real leverage.

Every grievance, every slight, and every unfair moment at work is a potential mental distraction. Neuroscience reveals that revenge isn’t just emotional—our brains actually crave the dopamine rush it brings, leading us into cycles of fixation and rumination.

James Kimmel underscores this with: “Your brain on revenge looks like your brain on drugs, pretty literally.”

Instead of letting these impulses hijack your attention, you can reclaim your focus by practicing internal forgiveness—not for others, but for yourself. This deliberate refocusing allows you to put your energy where it truly matters: your work and your growth.

Which lingering frustration can you consciously let go of today, so you can refocus on your creative priorities?

The path to better ideas might start with challenging your own assumptions about “difficult” people.

It’s counterintuitive, but the people you find hardest to collaborate with often hold the greatest potential for your learning and innovation.

As Ryan Leak noted, “People can actually pull off a really difficult job with people they enjoy over a dream job with people that they actually have to tolerate.”

By reframing complicated personalities as invitations to stretch your skills and understanding, you open yourself to breakthroughs that wouldn’t emerge in comfort zones. Seek out the perspectives and strengths in others—especially those who challenge you most.

How will you change your approach to working with someone you find difficult, in order to discover an unexpected idea or insight this week?

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​ Todd Henry teaches leaders and teams how to be brave, focused, and brilliant. He is the author of seven books, and speaks internationally on creativity, leadership, and passion for work. ​TODDHENRY.COM​ ​​​​​

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